A study published by the American Journal of Medicine (AJM) reported that home healthcare versus a hospital stay can provide a mean unadjusted savings of $15,233 per patient. In circumstances where extensive care is necessary, hospital costs can be financially crippling – even with insurance. In these cases, in-home care can provide significant financial relief for individuals and insurance companies and prevent further increases in healthcare costs.

 

It can also be safer for the patient as they are not vulnerable to hospital-acquired infections and other complications of inpatient care. FirstLantic, a company devoted to quality home care, highlights six reasons why being treated at home can be better for the patient while reducing healthcare costs simultaneously.

 

  • Decreased readmissions and deaths. The same AJM study concluded that at-home care “reduces follow-up hazard of readmission and death.” Home healthcare can aid in the hospital-to-home transition, providing superior medical continuity. At-home care also improves safety and provides social engagement for those who would otherwise be alone during this process.
  • Fewer doctor visits. At-home care has decreased the need for doctor visits by as much as 25%. Spending less time at the doctor is not only a sign of better health; it also means more time for patients to focus on what matters most to them in life.
  • Better care for Alzheimer’s and Dementia. A Home Care Association of America (HCAOA) report revealed an almost 10% drop in hospital admittance for patients benefiting from at-home care.
  • Clinical savings. Institutes covering digestive disease, neurological, urological and kidney, heart and vascular, and general medicine sub-disciplines reported cost and clinical benefits associated with in-home care.
  • Reductions in national health care costs. A decrease in the demand for inpatient services can dramatically lower the overall cost of healthcare in the United States. At-home care providers offer information to doctors that, according to the HCAOA, “may help improve diagnosis and treatment of seniors and help them avoid costly hospital stays.” Reducing hospital visits saves Medicare and insurers money, translating into a lighter national healthcare burden.
  • Prevents Shortages at Hospitals: At-home care can also free up hospital beds and staff when hospitalization is necessary. As we saw during the pandemic, many hospitals had such an influx of COVID patients that they could not provide adequate care for those suffering from other illnesses.

 

Home treatment programs are well established in other countries with single-payer health systems or where payment policies encourage treatment in less costly environments. England, Canada, Australia, and Israel have all revealed compelling evidence that well-monitored, at-home treatment can be safer, cheaper, and more effective than traditional hospital care. And the concept is gaining more traction in the U.S. with examples of leading hospitals like John Hopkins successfully using this model since 1994.

 

At FirstLantic, we are committed to providing the highest quality home care services for our patients.  We have serviced clients in Broward and Palm Beach Counties since 2000. FirstLantic offers hourly, daily, and overnight care, and you can connect with us 24 hours a day. Click here to contact us.

 

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